Chief Judicial Magistrate P. Asokan here on Thursday awarded five-year RI to four persons in a case relating to the attempt to murder S. Baskaran, former State organiser of Hindu Munnani.
The convicts were A. Ilias alias Mohammad Ilias (30) of Govindapuram, A. Rahmathullah (29), R. Riyaz alias Janakiraman (32), both from Begampur, and I. Syed alias Clit Sayeed (34) of Dindigul – all members of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi. The Magistrate awarded the RI to the accused under Section 307 of the IPC. He also imposed a fine of Rs. 1,500 each on the first two accused, failing to pay which they would have to undergo six months of simple imprisonment.
In addition to the five-year RI, the Magistrate also awarded one year simple imprisonment to the third and the fourth accused under Section 506 (Part II) of the IPC, and slapped them with a fine of Rs. 500 each. If they failed to pay the fine, they would have to undergo simple imprisonment for two months.
The prosecution said Mr. Baskaran of Needamangalam near Mannargudi was attacked by a four-member gang at his office-cum-residence at Masilamanipuram in Dindigul on December 21, 2008. He had received grievous injuries in the wrist and legs. His left leg was chopped off. Police registered cases under Section 326, 307 and 506 (part II) and 120 (B) of the IPC, and arrested the four.
Later, they produced them before the Judicial Magistrate Court in connection with the case. A total of 44 witnesses were examined. The accused told the court that they were the only breadwinners of their families and had little children. Later, all the accused paid the fine.
Then the defence counsel filed a petition seeking reduction of their punishment. The Magistrate turned down the appeal, saying he could not accept the petition after pronouncing the judgement. However, they could go for appeal in higher courts, he said.
